Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum gets funding for parking lot, sidewalk

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The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum in Cuero was awarded almost $200,000 in funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program, U.S. Rep. Ruben Hinojosa announced in a news release Monday.

The funds include a $45,000 grant and a loan of $152,000 to improve the parking lot and sidewalks to meet handicap accessible requirements for a public building.

The museum is housed in the historic 1903 Knights of Pythias Hall, 302 N. Esplanade St.

"Over the years, USDA Rural Development has made significant improvements to our rural communities through their funding support," Hinojosa said in the news release.

"For many years I, along with my staff, have worked closely with Robert Oliver and others who have been dedicated to the preservation and expansion of this important museum," said Hinojosa.

Oliver, chairman of the museum's board of directors, said, "The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum board of directors joins me in my sincere appreciation for Congressman Hinojosa's continued support of our multi-purpose community facility/museum project.

"The congressman has proven to be a valuable supporter of our efforts to obtain federal funding and to provide a first-class facility for Cuero and the South Central Texas region of Texas."

Other improvements slated to be paid for with the funds include an educational green space behind the historic building for a multitude of cultural purposes for children and adults.

The museum, which is not yet open to the public, is expected to open in the summer of 2013.

It will include the Tinker Collection - The Horsemen of the Americas, considered a world class exhibit tracing the history of the American cowboy to its South American roots.